Paronychia

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Infection - skin around the nail

If you have bacterial paronychia, soaking your nail in hot water 2 or 3 times a day helps reduce swelling and pain.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In severe cases, your doctor may cut and drain the sore with a sharp instrument. Part of the nail may need to be removed.

If you have fungal paronychia, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medicine. Keep your hands dry and apply a skin-drying substance, such as Castellani's paint.

Paronychia usually responds well to treatment. However, fungal infections may last for several months.

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Complications are rare, but may include:

• Abscess
• Permanent changes in the shape of the nail
• Spread of infection to tendons, bones, or bloodstream

Call your health care provider if:

• Paronychia symptoms continue despite treatment
• Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, such as:
  • Chills
  • Development of red streaks along the skin
  • Fever
  • General ill feeling
  • Joint pain
  • Local spread of symptoms
  • Muscle pain

Review Date: 04/17/2009
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).